I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve jumped to conclusions on one or two occasions over the years. It wasn’t usually my fault though, because the person who was talking was not being very clear or concise. Not that I fly off the handle or anything, but I do get frustrated when I don’t understand what someone really means. Communication is the key I always say! It’s not in my nature to be aggressive, and I would never run someone down or stab them in the back. Saying bad things about others is not a very nice thing to do. I always try to be positive and ask for clarification or repetitions before I assume that what I heard is really what they said. After all, I would be dodging my responsibility in this case not to try and understand, wouldn’t I? If I am confused in a conversation because I missed something important, or if I misinterpret what someone says, it is up to me to ask questions to avoid a misunderstanding. Making assumptions does not usually lead to positive results, and I do not push my luck when it comes to interpreting someone else’s comments. I’ve learned the hard way, by being wrong too many times before! Idioms explained 1. jump to conclusions: reach a conclusion without thinking about it or preparingExample: Rather than jumping to conclusions, you should wait until you hear my side of the story.

2. fly off the handle: means to get angry very easilyExample: You tend to fly off the handle even when little things go wrong.

3. run down someone: means to say something negative about someoneExample: Try to avoid running down your friends when they are just trying to help you.

4. knife someone in the back: also "stab someone in the back": to say something bad about a person, betray them Example: I can’t trust John’s secretary, she is always looking for a reason to stab me in the back.5. dodge responsibility: avoid taking responsibility for somethingExample: Don’t dodge your responsibilities by making up excuses about why you can’t finish your project on time.

6. push one's luck: to try too hard to get a particular result and risk losing what you have achieved (usually negative)Example: Don’t push your luck when it comes to gambling; you might lose everything!